This study was conducted by a work group which consists of
"non-conformist" men and women, couple-swingers or not, as well as specialists
in the fight against AIDS such as doctors who are members of this association.

June 1996

Risk-free sexual relations, is that possible ? sexual relations, is that possible ?

Yes, if there is absolutely no contact between contaminant
"body fluids" and the "entry points" for the virus into the organism.

When one speaks about contaminant "body
fluids" and "entry points", what exactly does that mean ?

The only body fluids which can contain enough of the virus
to cause infection is the blood (including menstruation) and secretions during sexual
relations : sperm, and to a lesser extent, seminal liquid (the drops before ejaculation),
vaginal secretions and breast milk.

But the virus can only penetrate the body through certain
certain entry points that play a key role : the skin and oral mucous, except for cuts, are
not entry points for AIDS. The mucous walls of the vagina, the tip of the uterus, the
uterus, the glans, the urethra (the urinary tract) and the rectum (the area after the
anus) are entry points because they are covered with cells which allow the virus to
penetrate through simple contact, without cuts or wounds.

What sexual activities are completely risk free ?

Hand and tongue caresses on the skin, masturbation, alone
or in a group. Massages, rubbing bodies against each other, nipple stimulation, unshared
sexual toys, erotic baths and showers, strip-teases, minitel, or pornographic films.

Other activities involve a higher risk factor.

Anal or vaginal penetration increases the risk of
transmitting the HIV virus. If ejaculation occurs, the risk increases for persons who have
been penetrated. Blood from periods (menstruation), are more infectous than vaginal
secretions and increase the risk for the man who penetrates. Anal penetration is the
highest-risk activity, in the sense that anal tissue is thinner and permeable.

Furthermore, any irritation or infection of the genital
organs and of the anus can facilitate the transmission of HIV.

In case of any irritation, even moderate, a doctor should
be consulted.

Any sexual activity that can cause bleeding also increases
the risks (anal fist-fucking or arm-fucking, and washing of the rectum before sex).

In any case, it is essential to use a condom for each
penetration and to always have extras on hand in case of an accident (tearing or
bursting) or of double penetration during sex. If vaginal penetration follows anal
penetration, another condom must be used to prevent vaginal infection by intestinal germs.

Can you perform or receive oral sex without risk ?

Fellatio belongs to one of the risk-groups that have yet
to be proved or disproved. Nevertheless, it's a sexual act that for now is considered
low-risk.

Is it less risky to receive oral sex or to perform it ?

Both have risks, even if they are minimal. The mouth, like
the sexual organs, can contain small lesions. If the person giving oral sex is
HIV-positive, a small amount of blood could exist in the mouth and get mixed with the
saliva which can then be a potential contaminant fluid. And if the sexual organ receiving
oral sex has any micro-lesions, then the risk-factor increases.

If the person getting oral sex is HIV-positive, he should
defintely not ejaculate into the mouth of his partner which could become a point of entry
in case of gingivitis, excessive brushing of the teeth, infections or dental work.

Is there any danger in swallowing the sperm ?

Any risk during fellatio will increase if an ejaculation
into the mouth occurs. The esophagus is a mucous membrane. It can be irritated and carry
lesions. The same goes for the throat and stomach when ulcerous.

If you get some sperm in your mouth, what should you do ?

Spit it out, wash your mouth out, but avoid brushing your
teeth before or after fellatio so as to not create any lesions in the gums.

But many men and women don't use condoms during oral sex.

Isabelle De Vincenzi, a French specialist in AIDS, says
"the risk of fellatio without a condom is comparable to the risk of penetration
with a condom." It's the same type of risk that a condom could burst during a
protected penetration.

We know that the number of "accidents" with
condoms diminishes with the habit of wearing them and with the systematic application of gels
which are non-grease and water-based during anal and vaginal penetration if the
natural lubrication isn't enough. It's also more enjoyable for the person being
penetrated.

And for the comfort of the penis..., putting a drop of
water-based gel on the glans or inside the tip of the condom before putting it on allows
for a more agreable contact with the latex.

So, no vaseline then ?

No, vaseline and all grease-based products (suntanning
products, olive oil, natural or not, butter, etc.) are strongly advised against since they
leave the latex or rubber more fragile.

Any other advice on how to avoid rupturing a condom ?

Yes. The condom should only be placed on an erected
penis. If the erection changes, it's better to switch condoms so that the penis always
remains entirely covered and that the condom doesn't get twisted.

Is there any danger in licking a woman's vagina ?

A woman's vaginal secretions are the vector or carrier of
the virus. It's like fellatio. There can be a risk involved, especially if there are
lesions in the mouth or if the woman is having her period.

Is there any danger involved in licking the anus ?

Like cunnilingus, there is some risk, especially if the
mouth or anus has a cut.

Is there less risk in licking or being licked ?

For cunnilingis and anulingis, it's the same as fellatio.
The transmission is possible in both. However, studies have yet to prove that these acts
alone could be contaminants for the HIV virus. Other sexually transmitted diseases, or
STD, such as herpes, hepatitis B, syphylis and gonorrhea can be contracted that way.

SPECIFIC RISKS RELATED TO COUPLE-SWINGERS

In the case of succcessive or multiple penetrations,
the condom must be changed between each partner so as to avoid mixing their vaginal
and anal secretions, and so as to prevent the HIV virus or STD from travelling from one
person to another. Those who have been penetrated can infect each other without knowing
it, via the person who is doing the penetrating and who is completely protected against
any risk.

Furthermore, many women who are "non-conformist"
complain of contracting STD through-repetition.

Is it safe to perform oral sex on one person after
another ?

It means increasing the odds of contamination. Secretions
containing HIV or STD can be passed on from one genital area to another. There is a "carry"
risk from one person to another. The best way to eliminate any risk is by using a new
condom for each fellatio or by cutting the condom into a square shape for each cunnilingus
performed.

Is it alright to put your finger in one vagina or anus
after another ?

The person using his or her finger doesn't risk anything
if the finger doesn't have any lesions. However, that person can cause the STD or HIV to
travel from one person to another. It might be a good idea to folow the motto : "one
opening, one finger". In other words, use a different finger for each different
penetration. But since you only have ten fingers, it's a good idea to wash your hands
(soap and water is preferable) or to use latex gloves.

What advice is there for penetration using sexuel toys
such as a vibrator ?

You should use a new condom for each penetration with a
dildo which should be lubricated with a non-grease gel.

And for sado-masochism ?

You should avoid all physical contact, direct or indirect
(toys, whips) with blood.

And hepatitis B ?

The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted more easily than HIV.
However, as with the transmission of HIV, there is a risk-scale factor involved.

When you develop Hepatitis B, can you die ?

Hepatitis, nine out of ten times, cures itself and most of
the times goes unnoticed. But in 10 percent of the cases, the hepatitis can become serious
and can develop into chronic hepatitis and, in the long run, into a degradation of the
liver and cirrhosis or cancer. Nevertheless, in one out of 1000 cases, the hepatitis can
become acute and be deadly. Therefore, if you go to partner-swinging clubs, it's strongly
advised to get a screaning test, to chek if you are immune, and if not, to be vaccinated.
There is a vaccination available which is reimbursed through Social Security.

Can you get Hepatitis B by kissing someone or drinking in
someone else's glass ?

There isn't any proof but we do know that there are a
certain number of cases of hepatitis which are unexplained. So there is the possibility of
contracting it through saliva (or by micro-lesions). The risk of getting it from saliva is
very slim but it can't be excluded as a possibility. A deep kiss where saliva is exchanged
could indeed be a vector for hepatitis.

Does the HIV virus die right away in open air ?

Everything depends on the area and the context. If the air
is very dry, if it's hot, if it's just a small trace of sperm which has dried quickly,
then it dies very fast. If there's a large blood stain or a large amount of sperm, and if
the air is humid, it will survive for a long time. But anyway, it is much more fragile a
virus in the open air than Hepatitis B.

Is there any risk of transmission of venerial diseases or
of AIDS by sitting on a seat where someone has ejaculated ?

Yes, if the genital organs are in direct contact with the
area where someone has just ejaculated. Or if the sperm is still fresh.

And on the beach ?

You can't get AIDS by sitting on the beach. But you do
risk getting other germs which can cuse irritations such as mycosis.

Where can you get tested for HIV ?

You can be tested for free in screening centers which are
public and anonymous. You can obtain the address of the center closest to you by calling
AIDS Info Service at 05 36 66 36 (the number is toll-free).

In any case, it is highly recommended for all men and
women who are non-conformist and for those who take part in couple-swinging and for those
who don't, to be tested for HIV to know whether they are positive or negative. And don't
forget that the test doesn't cover the last three months.

"Couples Against AIDS" wishes you a happy
holiday.

AIDS information number :

AUSTRIA : 0222 402 23 53

BELGIUM : 078/15 15 15

DENMARK : 33 91 11 19

FINLAND : 9800 2437

FRANCE : 05 36 66 36

GERMANY : 0221 99 20 31

GREECE : 01 723 99 20 31

IRELAND : 021 27 66 76

ITALY : 1678 61061

LUXEMBURG : 40 62 51

NETHERLANDS : 06 02 222 20

PORTUGAL : 05 00 66 66

SPAIN : 91 531 10 19

UNITED KINGDOM : 0800 567 123

SWEDEN : 020 78 44 40

SWITZERLAND : 01 461 15 16

NORWAY: 800 34 000

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